Join Us!

On Tuesday, May 23 at 6:00 p.m. the public is invited to the Teen Sewing & Fashion Club’s Runway Show at the Lyndon House Arts Center.

This is the Club’s Spring Semi-Annual Fashion Show entitled "Whimsical Garden." All one-of-a kind original designs will be modeled by the teen designers. This Club is mentored by clothing designer Tabitha Fielteau.

For more information, please call 706-613-3623.

Sandy Creek Nature Center Welcomes Janisse Ray

As part of the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the founding of Sandy Creek Nature Center, beloved Georgia nature writer, naturalist and environmental activist Janisse Ray will be the featured guest at a special event Saturday, May 20 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Ray is the author of such works as “Ecology of a Cracker Childhood,” and “Wild Spectacle: Seeking Wonders in a World Beyond Humans.”

The event is free and open to the public. It will be held at Sandy Creek Nature Center Ray’s talk will be outside at the center’s picnic pavilion. Participants are invited to bring a blanket or lawn chairs. Her talk will be followed by an opportunity to speak with her in person and purchase her books.

Sandy Creek Nature Center was founded in 1973 by Northeast Georgia Nature Center, Inc., the predecessor of Sandy Creek Nature Center, Inc. The founders were a group of local experts in fields such as forestry, planning, and education who saw an unmet need to enhance environmental education, spark love for the outdoors, and preserve green space in the fast-growing Athens area. The founders acquired the first 100 acres for the center and operated it until 1981, when they donated it to Clarke County and to this day they partner with local government to fulfill SCNC's mission. Sandy Creek Nature Center is a facility owned and operated by the Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department.

For more information, please call 706-613-3615 or visit www.sandycreeknaturecenterinc.org/events.

Dive In!

The Leisure Services Department announces its pool season for the upcoming summer.

Department pools open Saturday, May 27 for the season. Pools close for the season Sunday, July 30.

The Department will operate four public pools this summer including Heard Park, 400 McKinley Drive; Lay Park, 297 Hoyt Street; Memorial Park, 293 Gran Ellen Drive; and Rocksprings Park, 291 Henderson Extension. The Bishop Park pool is closed for the 2023 season for renovations.

During the aquatics season, pools are open Tuesday-Friday and Sundays, 1:00 – 5:30 p.m. Pool hours are noon – 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays. All pools and splash pads are closed on Mondays for maintenance.

The Walker Park Splash Pad, located at 200 Trail Creek St, is open weekends only, through May 21 and will then operate under regular seasonal hours from Saturday, May 27 - August 1. The splash pad will be open weekends only, August 7-August 27. Splash pad hours of operation are 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. The splash pad is closed on Mondays for maintenance. The Rocksprings Park Splash Pad, located at 291 Henderson Ext, will open for the season May 27.

Pool and splash pad admission is $1 per person, cash only. Pool passes are available for purchase and may be used at both splash pads and at all of the Department’s public pools. Individual pool passes are $20 and Family of Four pool passes are $40. Passes may be purchased onsite with forms of payment accepted including cash and check.

For more information, please call the ACCGov Leisure Services Aquatics Office at 706- 613-3589 or visit www.accgov.com/pools

Good Grades =

Free Pool Visits

The Report Cards Rewards Program returns for another summer of celebrating academic achievement

In order to be eligible, any student, Kindergarten through 12th grade, who resides in Athens-Clarke County must take a copy of the student’s final report card or equivalent to a Leisure Services pool or splash pad during the aquatics season. Locations include Heard Park, Lay Park, Memorial Park, or Rocksprings Park and the Walker Park splash pad. The Bishop Park pool is closed for the summer for renovations.

A report card with all A's or all E's guarantees a free summer pool pass. A report card with all A's and B's, or all E's and M's, is good for 10 free swims.

For more information, please call 706-613-3589.

"Movies by Moonlight" Presents "Creed"

The Leisure Services Department will host a free “Movies by Moonlight” outdoor movie on Friday, June 2 at 9:00 p.m. at Lay Park located at 297 Hoyt Street.

The evening features the Michael B. Jordan movie “Creed.” Outdoor activities, including a boxing demonstration by Strength and Strike Fitness, begin at 8:00 p.m.

Registration is not required. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and will sit on the athletic field to watch the film on the large inflatable screen.

Upon arrival, patrons will be directed to the movie viewing area. The public should bring their own refreshments. Food and beverages will not be sold or provided at the park. Restrooms will be available.

All park rules will be enforced, including dogs always on leash, no alcohol, smoking, or grills.

For more information, please call 706-613-3800.

Memorial Day Holiday Hours

The Leisure Services Department's outdoor parks will operate under regular hours of operation on Memorial Day, Monday, May 29. Facilities will be closed.

Pools and the Rocksprings Park Splash Pad will be open on Memorial Day from 1:00 – 5:30 p.m. Walker Park Splash Pad will be open 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. There is a $1 admission fee to all pools and splash pads. The Bishop Park Pool is closed for the 2023 season for renovations.

All parks and facilities will reopen Tuesday, May 30 under regular hours of operation.

For more information, call 706-613-3800.

Camp Registration Continues

The Leisure Services Department continues summer camp online registration. Space is extremely limited.

All registration takes place at www.accgov.com/myrec

Take a moment and review the extensive camp opportunities for this summer. Don't forget about our teen camp selection.

For more information, please call 706-613-CAMP.

"Grand Slam" at Lay Park

The Leisure Services Department announces the “Grand Slam” summer program for teens.

“Grand Slam” is a special summertime program for individuals aged 11-17 (middle and high school students) who reside in Athens-Clarke County.

This program takes place Friday evenings June 2 through July 21 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Lay Park located at 297 Hoyt Street.

Evenings include games, giveaways, guest speakers, life enrichment activities, music, refreshments, sports, and more!

The program is free of charge, however online registration is required at www.accgov.com/grandslam

For more information, please call 706-613-3596 or visit www.accgov.com/grandslam

ACCGov Leisure Services Online Registration

The Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department offers a diverse selection of activities highlighting the arts, environmental science, recreation, sports,
and holiday events for adults and children.

All registration takes place online at www.accgov.com/myrec .

ACCGov Leisure Services Scholarships

The Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department offers scholarship to qualifying Athens-Clarke County children.

Scholarships allow participants to pay less than the program fee.

For more information, including required documentation,
please visit www.accgov.com/scholarships

Georgia Recreation and Park Association

Agency of the Year

Populations: 80,000 - 150,000

2002, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2019, 2021

The Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department

205 Old Commerce Road, Athens, GA 30607

www.accgov.com/leisure

706-613-3800